What Is Ulcerative Colitis and How Does It Affect You?

At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we specialize in diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the colon and rectum but is closely linked to the immune system and often overlaps with rheumatic diseases.

UC occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the inner lining of the colon, causing persistent inflammation and ulcers. This leads to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea (often with blood or pus), and an urgent need to defecate.

Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune disorder, similar to many rheumatic diseases. Patients with UC are at higher risk for developing other autoimmune or rheumatic conditions, such as arthritis. Additionally, up to one-third of UC patients may experience extra-intestinal symptoms, including inflammatory arthritis, which our clinic is skilled at managing.

Managing UC requires a multidisciplinary approach, and our expertise in immune-mediated disorders allows us to collaborate with gastroenterologists to ensure optimal care for joint, skin, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Unlike Crohn’s disease, which affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract, UC is limited to the colon and rectum with continuous inflammation of the lining. It also differs from IBS and celiac disease, which do not involve inflammation.

Ulcerative Colitis and Its Connection to Rheumatic Diseases

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that specifically affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the colon, this disease leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, persistent diarrhea—sometimes with blood or pus—and an urgent need for bowel movements. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis involves the colon and rectum in a continuous manner.
 
While ulcerative colitis is primarily a gastrointestinal disorder, it is important to recognize its significant overlap with rheumatic and arthritic diseases. At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we often see patients with ulcerative colitis who develop joint-related symptoms. These can include arthritis—pain and swelling in the joints—most commonly in the knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows. In some cases, inflammation can also affect the spine (spondyloarthritis) or the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis).
 
These extra-intestinal manifestations are part of a group of conditions called “enteropathic arthritis,” which are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. In addition, patients with ulcerative colitis may be at increased risk for other autoimmune rheumatic conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, or uveitis (eye inflammation).
 
Effective management of ulcerative colitis requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both gastrointestinal and rheumatologic symptoms. At Nasseri Clinic, our specialists collaborate closely with gastroenterologists to ensure that our patients receive coordinated care for joint pain, swelling, and other systemic symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. Early recognition and treatment of these rheumatologic complications are vital for preventing long-term joint damage and maintaining a good quality of life.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the large intestine, primarily the colon and rectum. While its most common symptoms are gastrointestinal—such as frequent episodes of diarrhea (often with blood or pus), urgency, abdominal cramping, and unintended weight loss—ulcerative colitis is also associated with a range of symptoms and complications that can extend beyond the digestive tract.
 
Individuals with ulcerative colitis may also experience joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. These musculoskeletal symptoms—referred to as enteropathic arthritis—are a type of arthritis that is commonly seen in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. In some cases, patients may develop pain in the lower back or spine (spondyloarthritis), or experience inflammation in other areas such as the eyes or skin.
 
Because ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition marked by chronic inflammation, our clinic is well-equipped to diagnose and manage the rheumatic and arthritic complications that may arise. Our comprehensive approach ensures that both gastrointestinal and joint-related symptoms are addressed, supporting our patients’ overall health and quality of life.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum, with widespread effects on daily life and well-being. At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we recognize that it is not just a gastrointestinal condition but also an autoimmune disorder, often linked with other systemic rheumatic diseases.

Patients with ulcerative colitis experience symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgency, and sometimes rectal bleeding, which disrupt daily activities. Fatigue, often worsened by associated conditions like arthritis, is also common. Many patients develop extraintestinal manifestations such as joint pain and inflammatory arthritis, which our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating.

Medication management is crucial, as treatments like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants can cause side effects, including infections and bone loss. At Nasseri Clinic, we monitor for these complications and provide strategies to maintain bone health and reduce infection risks.

Living with ulcerative colitis can also lead to emotional challenges, including anxiety and depression. Our clinic offers holistic care, addressing both physical and emotional well-being through education, counseling, and coordinated support.

For patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who also experience rheumatic complications, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD and his team at the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases offer advanced, targeted infusion therapy. This specialized treatment can provide significant relief from the joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation that often accompany inflammatory bowel disease.

Contact Nasseri Clinic today to learn more about ulcerative colitis and explore the treatment options available to help manage your symptoms. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Edgewater MD, North Baltimore MD, Hebbville MD, Woodlawn MD, Pasadena MD, Jacobsville MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Dundalk MD, Halethorpe MD, Overlea MD, Parkville MD, Riva MD, Annapolis MD, Ferndale MD, and surrounding areas.